Many of those on Canal Boat Holidays have been making the most of the UK's free attractions, with a rise in the amount of people visiting museums, galleries and heritage sites.

Figures published by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (Alva) have shown that the median increase in numbers at these sites has reached 10.

9 per cent.

The majority of these attractions are optimistic about the next few years, expecting the number of those on Canal Boat Holidays visiting their sites to rise.

Robin Broke, the organisation's director, has called on the government to give these sites as much attention as they can in the coming years.

He said: 'The tourism industry played a vital role in Britain's economy last year, with leading attractions working hard to maintain visitor figures and revenue in a challenging fiscal environment.

'Earlier this month, British Waterways' chief executive Robin Evans praised canals as one of the country's great natural resources.